BOPP, PET & Cellulosic Acetate Wet lamination films can be an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for your laminating applications. At Gif Products our Wet lamination films are commonly used to over-laminate printed media on various substrates for the graphic arts market along with labelling, as well as the flexible packaging market.
Gif Products sit among one of the largest UK-based companies that specialise in the distribution & conversion of these wet lamination films and in this blog we will help you to learn about the wet lamination process and why using these films will make them the superior choice for enhancing your product’s appearance and help to increase the durability of your finished product
Wet Lamination Process:
Wet lamination involves applying a liquid adhesive between two or more layers of materials, such as plastic films, paper, board & foils. The adhesive is applied directly onto the film using a roller or other applicator. The film and the substrate are then bought together and passed through a set of pressure rollers forming a strong bond between the two materials.
Wet lamination films are available in various finishes, including gloss, matt, silk, anti-scratch, holographic, metalised and various tactile finishes such as velvet, and embossed. These finishes help to protect, enhance & create a specific look and feel for the finished product. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, wet lamination films also offer several practical advantages. These include:
- Protection: Wet lamination protects printed materials from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors that could damage the substrate.
- Durability: Wet lamination increases the durability, longevity, and rigidity of printed materials, making them less prone to scratches, tears, and other types of wear and tear therefore prolonging the life of your finished product & the need not to readily replace & re-manufacture saving on energy and raw materials
- Enhance Colours: Wet lamination helps to enhance the colours of the printed material, making them appear brighter and more vibrant.
- Easy to Clean: Using wet lamination makes products easier to clean because the film creates a protective layer.
There are several types of wet lamination films available on the market, each with its own set of advantages. Polypropylene (BOPP) and Polyester (PET) are the two main types of films that are commonly used in the marketplace along with a wood pulp based Cellulosic acetate film for the more environmentally minded. The main difference between these films lies in their properties.
- BOPP is a soft thermoplastic polymer that is known for its excellent moisture resistance, low density, and low cost. It is commonly used in applications such as book publishing where durability along with flexibility is a primary concern. Readily recyclable it has become the go to plastic in our markets today.
- PET, on the other hand, is a strong stiff, thermoplastic polymer that is known for its excellent strength, stability and resistance to moisture, oils and chemicals. PET films are often used in applications where durability is a necessity, such as laminating documents, graphics and labels. PET films are also known for their high clarity, high scuff resistance which makes them ideal for creating high-quality graphics and are readily used for flexible packaging.
- Cellulosic Acetate, a wood pulp-based film which is certified Bio-degradable and home/industrial compostable. Properties such as high chemical resistance high clarity and high scuff & scratch resistance along with excellent printability make this film a great sustainable option for all applications.
In terms of processing of the 3 film types of BOPP and Cellulosic Acetate are slightly easier to process, separation is simply achieved via a perf or edge knife system which are common place on most wet laminating machines whilst PET requires a hot knife or flying knife system which are more specialised.
In conclusion, wet lamination films offer many advantages in the graphic arts sector and packaging industry. They can be a popular choice for environmentally conscious companies whilst protecting printed materials from damage, enhancing their appearance, and increasing their durability. Overall, the choice between BOPP, PET & Cellulosic Acetate wet lamination films will depend on the specific application and the desired properties of the final product. Gif Products offers the largest range of high-quality wet lamination films, allowing for customisation to suit a wide range of applications.